Distribution

Breeds and occurs on migration at foothills and middle attitudes in Southwest Altai, in Kalbinskiy Altai, Saur, Monrak, Tarbagatay, in north-eastern part of Dzhungarskiy Alatau up to Bolshoy Baskan river, in Altynemel and Malaysary Mts.; In Tien Shan lives in places in Zailiyskiy and Kirgizskiy Alatau (common at Merke and in Aktokensay). Probably nests in Ketmen ridge and Toraygyr Mts., where recorded in summer. In Kokpek gorge singing male recorded 7 June, and near Charyn canyon observed 6 June 2003. Isolated breeding is known in Karkaralinsk (Kazakh Upland), where 20-25 June 1952 and 11 June 1970 fledglings recorded. On migration and in winter, in addition to said area, occurs also in Chu-Iliyskiye Mts. and in Talasskiy Alatau ridge (Aksu-Dzhabagly Reserve).

Biology

Common resident, in winter nomadic to a short distance. Inhabits the mountain rocky slopes covered with grass, shrubs and isolated trees, at altitudes of 1000-1500 m. In spring migrants are observed in March – mid-April. In breeding sites appears in April. Breeds in separate pairs. Nest is built on the ground, in the bush or tall grass; from the dry grass stems and leaves; and is lined with hair. Clutch of 4-6 eggs is laid in mid-May to mid-July. Probably rears two broods per season. The autumn migration invisible, in non-breeding areas observed from the early September.